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MouthWorks
Troupe to Perform at MCCC June 7
Additional Shows to Benefit Local Firehouses and Rescue
Squads this Summer
5/19/09
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Now in its seventh
year, MouthWorks, Mercer County Community College's unique comedy
troupe, will perform its hilarious blend of comedy, song, and dance
on Sunday, June 7 in CM 122 - Studio Theatre, located on the college's
West
Windsor campus at 1200 Old Trenton Road. The show starts at
8 p.m. and is free and open to the public. No reservations are needed,
but theater goers should arrive early for good seats.
After
the kick-off performance on June 7, MouthWorks takes its show on
tour for the first time ever with benefit performances at local
firehouses and rescue squads. Performances will be held at White
Horse Volunteer Fire Company on June 12, Kingston Volunteer Fire
Company on June 20, and Lambertville-New Hope Rescue Squad on August
29.
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MouthWorks
cast members include: (back row, left to right) Jim O'Boyle, Adam
Politis, Heather Roman and Yiraldi Reyes; (front row, left to row)
Suraj Bajaj, Kristen Branchizio, Hayley Kimmel and Rob Liedtka.
Not pictured: Tour Manager Chris Ghaffoor
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According
to MCCC Communications faculty member Kathi Paluscio, MouthWorks' coach
and director, the economic downturn was the catalyst for the tour, providing
her students with an exciting new challenge and giving community organizations
a novel and enjoyable way to bring in revenue. She says audiences won't
be disappointed. "We aim high. Everyone feels good after a MouthWorks
show - that's our promise!" Paluscio describes the performance as
an original mix of running gags and jokes, songs, dance and a parade of
hilarious, memorable characters.
With a PG rating - "practically G," says Paluscio -- the show
is modeled after traveling theater troupes of Medieval Europe. "The
theme is of poor vagabonds who make do with ill-fitting costumes and bad
props. The show includes music, puppetry, and comedic skits. The tone
is crazy and chaotic. Every moment is planned, but it doesn't look like
it," Paluscio explains.
She notes that the chemistry among current cast members is terrific. Two
of the eight performers are Mercer grads who now attend Rutgers University
and are reuniting with the group for the summer tour. Technical assistance
will be provided by tour manager Chris Ghaffoor and other students from
MCCC's Entertainment Technology program, who will do lighting, sound and
video.
MouthWorks has presented shows on campus twice a year since 2003. Paluscio
observes that most of the actors have had no previous training in the
performing arts when they audition and none are theater majors. The performers
get a huge return on their effort. "Students learn high level leadership
skills," Paluscio says. "They significantly enhance their speaking
and presentation skills. These students learn how to stand out."
MouthWorks students also develop strong allegiances to the college and
each other. Paluscio is in regular contact with practically every one
of her former students. "They keep in touch with me and with each
other. Two students are engaged to be married," she said.
For more information email paluscik@mccc.edu.
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